Shirley Lynn Seed

A gentle and sweet soul who was always warm and approachable to those lucky enough to cross her path, Shirley Lynn Seed will be dearly missed in this lifetime. She was a loving mother, mother-in-law and a cherished grandmother. She was forever laid back coupled with an amazing ability to care for others with her enormously warm heart. Her place in our lives will never be forgotten.

The decade of the 50’s was a memorable time to live and became know as the decade of the "baby boomers". In the 1950s, television and radio helped rock 'n' roll become popular. Teenagers loved rock 'n roll and listened to singers like Chuck Berry and other classics out of Motown. In the middle of the decade, in 1956, Calvin Sr. and Roselie Seed were expecting a precious baby. On Friday, March 9, Shirley Lynn began her life in Detroit, Michigan.

The family grew up together in a home on Hazelwood and then later they moved to Taylor Street. Her childhood was never boring, as she had 2 brothers and 2 foster sisters. Their parents worked hard to support the family; her father retired from working at the Ford Motor Company, and her mother stayed home to keep the family organized and happy.

Amongst the five children, they made amazing memories together. Shirley, her sister Yasmine, and their friend, Pamela Ann Lewis started their very own singing group. In the depths of their home, they created a stage under the clotheslines, and the ceiling light magically became the spotlight of all their basement fame. Yasmine wrote a song titled, "Green Hornet," which they performed with perfection after many dedicated practice sessions. All this hard work paid off because as teenagers, they performed at the Fountain Blue Lounge (sponsored by their older brothers and parents). After much rehearsal together over the years, they had many other songs which they knew and sang well. Notably, they sang Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" much to their audience's delight.

Other sweet times were celebrated in her youth - like the time she and her siblings set up a surprise birthday party for their mother before she returned from a quick trip to Irving's Market. As Shirley matured into a young lady, she was a part of the Majorettes at Detroit’s Central High School, the same school from which she proudly earned her diploma.

Upon graduating, she enrolled in a Nursing program. She stayed with her plan for about a year, but then life had an entirely different plan for her. At the age of 19, she was blessed with motherhood. One of the best days of her life was celebrated when she welcomed the birth of her sweet baby boy, Brandon Allen. Brandon's parents, Shirley and David Cain, held their son close to their hearts as a precious gift.

With new responsibilities in life, Shirley took her role as Brandon's mother with great pride. While Shirley and her parents worked hard to raise a strong and loving son, she also held a job at the United States Postal Office for 8 years. In addition, she focused part of her time as a caregiver. During much of her life, she knew she could find support and companionship in her longtime friend, Marcellus Daniels.

Shirley's son was one of her greatest accomplishments in life. Aside from his birth, she found joy in watching him grow into a man of whom she was immensely proud. His graduation from both the United States Marine Corps and the Detroit Police Academy nearly burst her heart with pride.

In time, her son provided her more joy as he started a family of his own. Shirley cherished the relationship with her daughter-in-law, Lucia, and adored her grandchildren; Kyana Pierce-Mejia, Marquis Neese, Brendan and Lenna Seed who all held a special place in their grandmother's heart. She cheered for them as they competed in soccer, football, and basketball (especially the Canton Lions and Celtics!). She attended every game until she was no longer able due to her illness.

When Shirley was not doting on her grandchildren, she always found joy in life. She loved to make delicious food for others to enjoy. On quieter evenings, she would look forward to curling up with a good book or an old black and white movie on television while enjoying a Pepsi and maybe a little bit of candy to satisfy her sweet tooth.

In her 61 years of life, she lived every moment to the fullest. In her soft-spoken ways, she was a trustworthy and wonderful friend to all who knew her well. Sadly, Shirley peacefully passed away on September 19, 2017. As we look to one another for comfort in our sadness, we will hold the memories we shared with Shirley close to our hearts. In this way, she will never be forgotten.

Shirley was the loving mother of Brandon (Lucia), and beloved grandmother of Kyana Pierce-Meija, Marquis Neese, Brendan and Lenna Seed. Sibling’s names (late) Kenneth, (late) Calvin Jr. Seed, Yasmine Sheree Greene, and Yomiko Woolfolk-Kalser.

Family will receive friends Monday, 6-7 PM at the Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Road (between Sheldon and Canton Center Rds), where a Memorial Service will be held at 7 PM.